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3 teams with the most to gain in NBA free agency

By Jonathan Lurensky

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) watches as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) watches as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guards Devin Booker (1) celebrates with forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Chris Paul (3) against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half in game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guards Devin Booker (1) celebrates with forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Chris Paul (3) against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half in game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Teams with the most to lose in NBA free agency: 1. Phoenix Suns

After the Suns made their trade for Kevin Durant, they entered the title contention conversation for the next two to three years. These playoffs proved that this team is missing a lot of depth. though The ceiling of this team is a short exit in the Western Conference Finals if they do not improve their supporting cast. If Phoenix does have depth behind a healthy Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, then they will have a chance to win the title.

The most valuable trade piece that the Suns have is Deandre Ayton, a starting-caliber center who is locked up under contract for the next three years. Ayton is getting paid near max money but is a double-double machine. The Suns could dangle him in a trade for two or three rotation players.

The other trade piece that this team has is Chris Paul. Paul’s deal is non-guaranteed for the next two years which allows any team to opt out of his deal in 2024-25. Any team would be not giving up that many assets if they are viewing Paul as a one-year rental. Still, it would be expected for the Suns to get two-three rotation players in a trade return for Paul.

If the Suns are able to get their coaching search done right and find players that can fill out their bench, they could end up winning the title next season.

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